EP 16 - Dr. Katie Mack: From Dark Matter to Yellow Birds

Dr. Katie Mack is known best for being a theoretical astrophysicist who studies questions in cosmology (the study of the universe from beginning to end) at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. When she’s not studying dark matter and the origins of the universe, you can find Katie flying airplanes. Katie holds a private pilot license, instrument rating, and is a yellow bird pilot at the Canadian Aviation Museum in Windsor, Ontario.  In this episode, Mike and Katie discuss what inspired Katie to write two books about the universe, her journey in aviation, and how two women flew 70+ year old warbirds to Oshkosh 2026 in challenging conditions. Check out Katie’s books: ”The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)” Available now: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-end-of-everything-astrophysically-speaking-katie-mack/805a575879c098ff?ean=9781982103552&affiliate=1688 “How to Build a Universe (Theoretically Speaking)” Available March 9, 2027. Pre order: https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/How-to-Build-a-Universe/Katie-Mack/9781668033678 You can learn more about Katie, the universe and her books at astrokatie.com Instagram: @astrokatiemack Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/astrokatie.com Follow us on Instagram at @mikeinthefront Questions or comments about the podcast? Contact us at mikeinthefrontpod@gmail.com Please consider leaving us a rating and/or review! Edited & Produced by Jason Rosewell Music intro by Tyler Wilson Artwork by Achilles Concepcion